Comparison

Tri vs TriLevelChess

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Tri

Experience chess in a new dimension with this strategy game played across three levels and four attack decks. Master three-dimensional tactics to outmaneuver your opponent. A tutorial guides you through the unique gameplay.

Highlights
  • Three-dimensional gameplay
  • Multiple levels and attack decks
  • Fully movable 3D chessboard
  • Four material options
  • Local, computer, and online play
  • Built-in guide and strategy tips
  • Unlockable achievements
Features
Read full description

Think regular chess is a bit... straightforward? Then try Tri-D Chess — the most popular strategy challenge this side of the Delta Quadrant! Played across three levels and using four Attack Decks, it lets you apply true three-dimensional tactics to checkmate your opponent. Tri-D Chess features the same 64 squares, the same pieces, and the same basic rules as traditional chess… with a few small twists. But don’t worry — the tutorial will quickly teach you everything you need to know to master the game. • Fully movable 3D chessboard • Four material options: wood, glass, metal, and marble • Optional move history and captured-pieces display • Built-in guide with rules and strategy tips • Three game modes: local play (two players on one device), play vs. computer, or online play via Game Center • Unlock up to 6 achievements • Customize the game to your liking Tri-D Chess is free forever. If you enjoy it, you can optionally support the developer. Qapla’!

About

TriLevelChess

Features
Read full description

EXPERIENCE CHESS IN THREE DIMENSIONS Tri Level Chess reimagines the classic game with a revolutionary vertical twist. Play on three stacked boards where pieces can move up and down between levels, creating entirely new tactical possibilities and strategic depth. MASTER VERTICAL STRATEGY - Move pieces across three parallel chess boards - Rooks ascend and descend vertically like elevators - Knights leap between levels with devastating effect - Bishops cut diagonal paths through multiple planes - Every piece gains new attacking angles and escape routes MANY EXCITING VARIANTS Classic 3D Chess Experience traditional chess rules across three dimensions. Perfect for learning the vertical strategy fundamentals. Chess960 (Fischer Random) Randomized starting positions on three levels create 960 unique opening configurations. No memorized openings—just pure strategy. Atomic Chess Captures trigger explosive chain reactions! When pieces capture, both attacker and captured piece (plus adjacent non-pawns) vanish in a blast. Kings can never capture. Aggressive tactics meet calculated risk. Crazyhouse Captured pieces join your hand and can be dropped back onto any level! Place opponent's pieces as your own for wild tactical combinations across all three boards. Looming Extinction Your chess world is shrinking. Can you prevail before there are not moves left? Frontier Chess Your chess world is about to expand! King of the Hill Move your king to the center area for a quick win! PLAY YOUR WAY - Challenge the AI with three difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, Hard) - Play locally against friends with pass-and-play - Compete asynchronously via Remote Play - share moves through messages or email - Set up custom positions and puzzles - Choose starting levels: both on the same board, or split between top and bottom POWERFUL FEATURES - See valid moves highlighted across all three levels - Inspect enemy piece threats with long-press - Full undo/redo navigation through game history - Complete move log tracking - Material advantage calculator - Optional chess clock with customizable time controls - Save and load multiple games - Share positions with friends - Export games for analysis - Setup positions and share with friends THOUGHTFUL DESIGN - Clean, intuitive interface designed for iPad and iPhone - Smooth piece dragging with haptic feedback - Zoom and pan for detailed board inspection - Portrait and landscape support - No ads, no subscriptions, no in-app purchases - Buy once, play forever PERFECT FOR - Chess players seeking new challenges beyond 2D - Strategy game enthusiasts who love deep tactical puzzles - Puzzle creators exploring three-dimensional tactics - Friends looking for a unique competitive experience - Anyone curious about chess with a vertical dimension THREE BOARDS. INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. Download Tri Level Chess and discover a whole new dimension of strategy.

Screenshots

Tri4 screens
TriLevelChess4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Tri at Free against TriLevelChess's $0.99. Tri also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). TriLevelChess's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Tri is free to download; TriLevelChess costs $0.99 up front. Tri sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. TriLevelChess asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Tri ships an update every 3 weeks, TriLevelChess every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Tri versus TriLevelChess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTriTriLevelChess
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.5 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperROBIN SCHONWALDDavid Michael Matusow

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Tri

One-time2
  • Espresso$1.99
  • Raktajino$3.99
None

TriLevelChess

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Tri free?
Tri is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TriLevelChess free?
TriLevelChess costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Tri or TriLevelChess have ads?
Neither Tri nor TriLevelChess shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Tri or TriLevelChess?
Tri ships an update every 3 weeks, and TriLevelChess every 2 months. Most recently, Tri was updated on October 30, 2026 and TriLevelChess on October 30, 2026.

Other comparisons